Listen: Cymande Tap Celeste for “Only One Way,” Previewing New Album ‘Renascence’

Photo Credit: Dean Chalkley

In October, Cymande unveiled Renascence, the inimitable British psych-funk ensemble’s first record in a decade. With the preview single “Chasing an Empty Dream,” the band showed that its forthcoming full-length is not just a reunion, but a return to the peak performance of its early ‘70s heyday; like those heady years that brought on the iconic run of 1972’s Cymande, 1973’s Second Time Round, 1974’s Promised Heights and 1981’s Arrival (recorded in 1974), Cymande fearlessly pursue new sonic horizons on the latest track, adding new influences to their already intricate hybrid sound. Today, Nov. 21, the group maintains that momentum with “Only One Way,” a second single featuring vocals from acclaimed singer-songwriter Celeste.

“Only One Way” is surprisingly tender, stepping down the pulse of Cymande’s typical floor-pounding grooves for a fullhearted torch song led by Celeste’s soaring vocals. Beyond a smoky piano and resolute bassline from founding member Steve Scipio, the track features an unprecedented string arrangement, which goes beyond novelty to become a deeply affecting component of the piece. It’s certainly new territory for the group, yet they take to the style perfectly, seamlessly translating their full instrumental grooves into an inspiring ascent in the song’s second act. It’s powerful to hear such storied innovators still evolving.

On the collaboration, founding guitarist Patrick Patterson commented, “We got together in New York some time ago. Celeste approached it melodically and lyrically from a perspective we thought was great, we came back to the UK and perfected it. Her performance is wonderful. It deserved an orchestral arrangement and we had an arranger, Chris Cameron, who could elevate it up to the firmament. He did a brilliant arrangement.”

Celeste is reverent and effusive in her recollection: “It was a blustery New York day, I had just performed at Carnegie Hall, and was asked if I’d like to meet Cymande at a studio close by to Broadway. I immediately put my hat and coat on and made my way to meet Patrick and Steve at the studio. We spoke for a little while about all being Caribbean and then Patrick began to play the guitar, the words and the melody came so naturally and we cut a vocal that day.

“We then met some months later to refine it all, in one of the first studios I’d been to many years before on Latimer Road, I think still partly owned by Damon Albarn, but now part of the Miloco studios,” the singer-songwriter continues That’s when I met Adrian Reid, who made me feel so at ease and kindly offered me some piano lessons in the following months. It all felt a healing and enlightening experience to be around the guys, to hear their stories, see their faces and understand who they were and who they are now. Cymande had remained this great mystery to me, as I am sure they did to many others for a long period of time – these legends of this mystical cross genre – and to hear their account of their journey in music first hand, was affirming and assuring.”

Renascence is set to release on January 31, 2025 via BMG. The band’s first full-length since 2015’s small-scale reunion set A Simple Act of Faith echoes the irrepressible creativity of their origins, renewing their intoxicating brew of psychedelic soul, reggae, calypso, classic funk, and African rhythms with a 21st-century studio sheen. The band will celebrate their return with a US headline tour, making ten stops across the country from Feb. 13 to Feb. 28. Highlights from this run include a kick-off from New York’s Irving Plaza, stops in Philadelphia, Chicago Denver and Seattle and a finale at The Bellwether in Los Angeles. For tickets and more information, visit cymandeofficial.com/ 

“Only One Way (feat. Celeste)” is available everywhere now. Pre-order Renascence here.

Read on for a complete tracklist for Renascence and list of upcoming tour dates.

Renascence – Cymande

1. Chasing An Empty Dream 
2. Road To Zion 
3. Only One Way (Featuring Celeste)
4. Coltrane
5. Sweeden
6. How We Roll (Featuring Jazzie B)
7. Heart Of The Willing
8. I Wanna Know 
9. Darkest Night 
10. Carry the Word 

Cymande Tour Dates

FEB 13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza

FEB 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

FEB 15 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre 

FEB 18 – Chicago, IL – Metro 

FEB 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre 

FEB 21 – Denver, CO – Bluebird

FEB 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile 

FEB 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater 

FEB 26 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall*

FEB 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether

MAY 25 – London, UK – Cross The Tracks Festival

OCT 17 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton